Les Kiss warned yesterday that George Ford’s “scary relationship” with Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson could derail Ireland’s quest to retain the Six Nations title.

Defence specialist Kiss has admitted Ireland’s coaches were shocked by England’s new-found attacking fluency when preparing for the pivotal Six Nations clash in Dublin on March 1.

Ireland and England are the Six Nations’s only remaining unbeaten sides but Kiss has denied that the winners at the Aviva Stadium will stride onwards to the title.

Former Australia rugby league star Kiss also revealed wariness of England’s bullish back row and the cameo threat of in-vogue fly-half Danny Cipriani.

“Our preparation starts with the analysis and that’s been pretty scary with what they can do,” said Kiss.

“If you look at that scary relationship in midfield with George Ford, and he has a relationship already with Watson and Joseph, those types of combinations seem to be coming through for them nicely.

“I think also their back row has been brilliant. James Haskell and Billy Vunipola are big threats and Chris Robshaw is excellent.

“The momentum that they give them is critical for them and they can take the ball deep and still make yards.”

Kiss confirmed Ireland do not have any new injury concerns and moved to downplay the impact of Johnny Sexton returning to France for Racing Metro action this weekend.

The 29-year-old will face a stern examination against Clermont for his Paris club side, just a week after being clattered about the Aviva Stadium by Mathieu Bastareaud on his return after a 12-week concussion absence.

“Johnny’s a pro and he’ll get back and get in front of things in terms of the computers when he gets back,” said Kiss.

“He’ll get in front of the vision and he’ll get to chat with the guys and will get in front of things really early (next week).”